RUTHERGLEN has ramped up its off-field stocks by appointing Daniel Athanitis as co-coach.
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Athanitis will join midfielder Damien Wilson in charge of the Cats as they attempt to bounce back from a disappointing seventh placing.
He and Josh Owen co-coached Milawa into this year’s Ovens and King league grand final.
Club president Greg Lumby is confident Athanitis, who has previously spent time at the helm of CSU Bushpigs and Rand-Walbundrie, and Wilson will prove a successful combination.
“It’s good to add another wise head to the group,” Lumby said.
“’Damo’ has been outstanding playing to the level he has while coaching.
“To his credit, he came to us and said we need to get a co-coach to provide another perspective while he’s trying to play.
“We tried to get Daniel over last year but we were a bit slow in making touch so it’s great to have him on board.
“We need to keep progessing and he’ll certainly be an asset.”
Athanitis’ sister, Kailey, coached Rutherglen’s under-18 netball side this season.
“It’s going to be a challenge,” he said.
“Rutherglen is a club which can achieve a lot and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Wilson finished a close second to Jared Farwell in Rutherglen’s best and fairest with young gun Cameron Wilson third.
Rhys Renshaw took out the reserves despite playing only eight matches.
Star centre Emily Browne won the A-grade netball while Lily Buckingham took out the Jess McLennan Rising Star award.
Lumby received life membership after being president for the past eight seasons.
“It was a huge honour to receive life membership at the club I love, and join my best mates that have already received life memberships as players,” Lumby said.
“It was a nice surprise.”